Veterinary Assistant

WellHaven Pet Health • Renton, WA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

The Veterinary Assistant supports veterinarians and veterinary technicians in providing veterinary care, promoting pet well-being, educating clients, and maintaining high standards of care. The role contributes to the smooth, efficient operation of the hospital and supports its overall success. Work is performed onsite at a hospital or an approved offsite event location; remote work is not available.

The position requires technical skills in areas such as surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and patient restraint, as well as adherence to sterile and safe-work protocols. The Veterinary Assistant maintains accurate patient records, obtains medical histories, supports client communications and education, assists with reception duties, and helps manage supplies. The role also involves customer service, adapting to client needs, and resolving complaints when appropriate.

The work environment may include limited space, odors from pet waste, and noise from animals. Schedules may include shifts of 10 or more hours, Saturdays, evenings, and holidays. The role involves physical activity and potential exposure to animal bites or scratches, biological hazards, anesthesia medication odors, radiation near X-ray equipment, and prescription medications, including controlled substances.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• At least 6 months of experience in the veterinary industry.
• Ability to handle dogs, cats, and exotic animals.
• Experience or knowledge in basic animal care, including feeding, bathing, grooming, and monitoring for signs of distress or illness.
• Experience or knowledge in common medical procedures, including medication administration, wound care, and assisting with diagnostic tests.
• Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
• Ability to multitask, set priorities, and remain action-oriented in a fast-paced environment while staying calm and resilient.
• Ability to take initiative and complete accurate work despite constant interruptions.
• Ability to learn new computer software systems, including EMR and scheduling systems.
• Strong customer-service focus and ability to adapt to clients’ needs.
• Excellent communication and organizational skills, including the ability to manage emotional situations with empathy, compassion, and approachability.
• Ability to lift more than 50 pounds and to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
• Good hand-eye coordination, arm-hand-finger dexterity, reach and grasp ability, and visual acuity to use a keyboard, operate equipment, and read information.
• Vision abilities including close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth vision, and the ability to adjust focus.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an NAVTA-approved veterinary assistant program, or equivalent education, training, and experience demonstrating the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Ability to develop additional veterinary technical skills, including anesthesia, surgical assistance, and dentistry.

Responsibilities

• Apply technical skills in surgery, dentistry, laboratory procedures, venipuncture, and patient restraint while following protocols for a sterile and safe environment.
• Contribute to the day-to-day efficiency and smooth operation of the hospital.
• Communicate effectively with team members and clients.
• Maintain thorough and accurate medical charts for patients and meet hospital quality-control standards.
• Educate clients about Wellness Plans and provide appropriate guidance on pet care and overall health.
• Perform select reception duties, including answering calls, scheduling appointments, and facilitating patient intake and discharge.
• Obtain pertinent medical history and patient information.
• Assist with hospital supply management, including tracking inventory and restocking as needed.
• Complete assigned hospital duties before the end of each shift.
• Advocate for the overall success and performance of the hospital.
• Provide professional, efficient, and exceptional customer service and adapt to individual client needs.
• Resolve customer complaints as appropriate.
• Follow OSHA standards and company policies.
• Perform other assigned duties.

Benefits

• Competitive pay and a benefits package; details are available through the company benefits page.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED